Who doesn’t love a feel-good movie?
Picture this: It’s a rainy Sunday. You’ve been busy all week with work, school and social activities. You’re in desperate need of unplugging for two hours and just relaxing. You just want to curl up with a blanket and a comfort movie. Well, you’re in luck. I have five movie suggestions for you that are my go-to favorites whenever I am in need of a wind down.
The Proposal
This movie is absolutely iconic for so many reasons. Sandra Bullock, who plays Margaret, and Ryan Reynolds, who plays Andrew, are the two lead characters who evolve from enemies to lovers throughout the film. The two are initially coworkers at a publishing company, where Margaret is Andrew’s highly intimidating and unlikeable boss. Margaret convinces Andrew to agree to fake a marriage in order for her to avoid deportation. The two have incredible chemistry and an absolutely hilarious dynamic on-screen. In addition, this movie also features the icon herself: Betty White. With this star-studded cast, you do not want to miss out on this one. In my opinion, this romantic comedy is always a good choice when you want to watch something lighthearted.
A Cinderella Story
With this pick, I am throwing it back all the way to 2004. This movie had to make this list, as it simply never fails to make me smile. I watch this movie several times a year and have yet to get sick of it. I know this story may seem overdone in film, but sometimes I just want to see the simplistic plot of Cinderella ending up with her Prince Charming. In this version, Sam, played by Hilary Duff, is a modern-day Cinderella living with her stepmother and stepsisters after her father dies tragically during an earthquake. Since her life is dictated by her stepmother, she has dreams of going to college at Princeton in order to finally gain freedom and independence. Where does Prince Charming come into play, you ask? The two meet under screen names in a Princeton chat room. Throughout the film, we watch the two try to figure out who they are anonymously talking to. There are definitely some bumps along the road, but don’t you worry…this story has to have a happily ever after.
Hannah Montana: The Movie
Of course, I had to put at least one Disney Channel Original Movie on this list. This movie is my favorite comfort movie in the summertime. In this film, we get to see a whole new side of Miley Stewart. The movie begins by showcasing the glamorous side of Miley’s double life in which she gets caught up in the luxuries of being Hannah Montana. In order to prevent Miley from getting too caught up in her life as Hannah Montana, her dad tricks her into traveling back to her hometown of Crowley Corners. Throughout the few weeks she is there, we watch her battle some internal struggles but eventually evolve back into the country girl she is at heart. This movie shows that you can indeed always find your way back home to your roots.
The Parent Trap
To complete this list, I decided to add a childhood favorite of mine. For those of you who have not seen this one, The Parent Trap came out in 1998. The film is packed with stars, including Lindsay Lohan who portrays both twins, Annie James and Hallie Parker, along with Natasha Richardson as Elizabeth James and Dennis Quaid as Nick Parker. What is perhaps most impressive about this movie is the fact that it fits so much character and plot development in a two-hour time span without the film feeling rushed for the audience. In the film, we get to see the twins meet and engage in antics at summer camp, switch places and return to their separate lives in different countries, and reunite their entire family?! Looking back, the camera work and acting that made Lindsay Lohan look like two different girls is quite spectacular. I am continually impressed with how well this movie was done. Needless to say, this movie ages well and is a solid choice.
It is difficult to condense this list to only four movies because there truly are so many fantastic options for comfort movies. Hopefully, you are able to find one movie on this list that sounds appealing to you. I can promise that it will fill your two-hour time slot for relaxation with joy and laughter. So curl up with a cup of coffee or tea on your lazy Sunday, and treat yourself to a comfort movie!